Daisies, members of the large Asteraceae family, are significant providers for local insect populations. The direct answer to whether daisies attract bees is yes, they generally do, though the degree of attraction depends heavily on the specific daisy variety. Understanding the flower’s unique structure explains why these plants are a reliable source of nutrition for a wide range of native and honey bee species.
How Daisy Structure Appeals to Bees
The daisy flower head is not a single bloom but a composite structure made of many tiny, individual flowers called florets, clustered tightly together. The central yellow disk is composed of numerous disk florets that contain the pollen and nectar, while the surrounding white “petals” are ray florets that primarily serve as a visual signal and a landing platform. This composite design creates a large, flat surface that is easy for bees to land on and navigate, providing a stable foraging environment.
The dense clustering of florets allows bees to access a high concentration of food resources without flying long distances, maximizing energy efficiency. These tiny florets bloom sequentially, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh pollen and nectar from the same flower head over a prolonged period. Daisies are also a rich source of protein-packed pollen, which is important for feeding developing bee larvae and emerging bumblebee queens.
Bees are visually drawn to daisies through color and ultraviolet (UV) light patterns, as they see in the UV spectrum. Many daisy centers feature UV nectar guides, which act like landing strips, directing the foraging bee precisely toward the nutrient-rich disk florets.
Identifying Daisy Varieties That Attract Pollinators
Not all daisies are equally beneficial to bees, and a gardener must choose varieties with accessible centers. Single-flowered varieties, such as the native Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and the widely grown Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum), are excellent choices because their central disk florets are fully exposed. The Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta) and African Daisy (Osteospermum) are also highly attractive due to their open structure and ample pollen supply.
Gardeners should avoid highly cultivated, double-flowered varieties, which are often bred for denser, more decorative petals. In these types, the ray florets have been modified to replace the pollen-bearing disk florets, or the sheer volume of petals physically blocks access to the center. Bees cannot reach the nectar or pollen hidden behind the layers of petals, making these flowers poor food sources.
Supporting Bees Beyond Daisy Planting
While daisies are beneficial, a comprehensive strategy for supporting local bee populations requires more than just one type of plant. Bees need a continuous food supply, which is achieved by planting a diverse range of species that bloom from early spring to late fall. Supplementing daisies with other high-value, native plants like clover, coneflower, and lavender provides varied nutrition and extends the foraging season.
Another significant action is ensuring the garden environment is free from harmful chemicals. Systemic pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, are absorbed into the plant tissue, contaminating the pollen and nectar that bees consume. Gardeners should avoid spraying any insecticide on open flowers when bees are actively foraging to prevent direct exposure.
Providing clean, shallow water with small stones or moss for landing spots is also helpful, as bees can easily drown in deep, open water. By focusing on diversity, providing water, and eliminating toxic chemicals, a garden becomes a true haven for pollinators.